A Better Way to Prevent Concussions: The Addition of Non-Newtonian Fluids to Helmet Padding

Overview

Objectives/Goals To study the effect of the addition of non-Newtonian fluid to helmet padding on the force generated on the head during a football hit. Methods/Materials I studied this concept by dropping a weight onto standard helmet padding material, non-Newtonian fluids (borax/glue and cornstarch/water) of different thicknesses and non-Newtonian fluids in combination with the helmet pads. I used an accelerometer to measure the deceleration of the ten pound weight dropped from 50 and 100 cm heights onto the test materials. Results The addition of non-Newtonian fluids to helmet padding does decrease the deceleration of the dropping weight, from 32% to 79% at a 50 cm drop height, and from 17% to 60% at a 100 cm drop height. In addition to decreasing the maximum deceleration, non-Newtonian fluids spread the forces out over a longer period of time, and decrease the rebound of the weight. At 50 cm, the borax and glue affected the deceleration the most, while at 100 cm, the cornstarch and water was superior. Conclusions/Discussion I learned that the addition of non-Newtonian fluids to helmet padding decreased the force of impact. This may mean that the addition of non-Newtonian fluid to helmet padding will decrease the concussion rate.

Awards (1)

• Fourth Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Applied Mechanics & Structures · Entry J0322

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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